iPhone 7 Launch: Apple's New AirPods Said to Use Custom 'Bluetooth-Like' Technology

Apple is set to officially unveil the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus just hours from now, and one of the big changes is the expected absence of the 3.5mm audio jack. To compensate for it, Apple is bundling Lightning-powered EarPods with the smartphone. In addition, the company is also reportedly working on wireless headphones called 'AirPods', to give users an additional option for listening to audio. Now, a fresh research note from Ming Chi Kuo, gives more details about these AirPods, shedding light on Apple's audio plans this year.

Kuo notes that Apple will unveil premium wireless AirPods for high-end users, and separate Beats-branded headphones for the mid-range market. "Apple will likely have its own-designed Bluetooth-like communication chip and launch own-brand Bluetooth headphones targeting the high-end market, with Beats positioned in the mid-range market," he said in his research note.

Kuo also claimed that Apple will integrate a custom-built Bluetooth-like chip for wireless communication that will use less power, keeping in mind iPhone's battery woes. The Bluetooth-like technology is also expected to be used in future smart home accessories and the Apple Car that the company is said to be working on. 

Lastly, Kuo notes that Apple won't bundle these AirPods with the iPhone 7, but will sell them as a separate accessory. He did not mention the pricing of these headphones. This note comes just a day after Kuo detailed all the big features of the iPhone 7 in a separate research note.

Kuo said the iPhone 7 will come with new storage options - 32GB. 128GB, and 256GB. It will sport upgraded cameras, an A10 chip, a shift in antenna bands, and a bump to 3GB RAM in the larger variant. The Apple event in San Francisco is expected to begin at 10.30PM IST, and you can catch live updates right here on Gadgets 360.